Voice of the Gazette: Make views plane

Despite widespread objection from politicians and residents alike, plans for a third runway at Heathrow Airport have been steamrollered through at Westminster.

The scheme has the potential to increase flights from 480,000 to 720,000 a year and has troubling implications for the environment.

But there is still time for people who object to the plans to make their voices heard. Write to your MP and call the Government to account before it's too late.

Improve schools

IT IS difficult to argue with the idea that the poorest pupils in the borough should receive the most help, especially when recent studies show social mobility is worse now than it was in the 1950s.

But the nub is in what form that help takes. You have to ask whether handing a £10,000 bribe to teachers to stay is the best way to cut a high turnover.

Those attracted by the money may not be necessarily be putting their heart and soul into the job. Surely the extra cash should be spent on easing the pressure on educators, such as recruiting more teachers and lowering class sizes.

Falling short of providing the best education for children is something the nation cannot afford. ..